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Kimi Raikkonen admits he is leaving Lotus because of a payment dispute

Fri 20 Sep 2013, 7:01 AM AEST

Kimi Raikkonen says he made the decision to rejoin Ferrari next season after Lotus failed to pay his salary, with the Finn admitting he will still fulfil his duties over the final seven races of his contract.

"I like to race," he said at the Singapore Grand Prix when asked why he was seeing out the last seven races of the season despite not being paid.

"That's the only reason why I am here. It doesn't matter which team it is but the reason I left Lotus was purely on the money side. It's an unfortunate thing but I want to help the team as much as I can and as I just told you, I like to race."

Raikkonen suggested had Lotus matched his demands he may not have left but is happy with the decision now that it had been finalised.

"There were a lot of things they could have done to keep me and they know what it is," he said.

"It's hard to say which way I would have gone had that happened but the deal is done now and I am very happy."

Raikkonen excited to team up with Alonso

Having two high-profile drivers in one team has often led to problems in the past and when news of Raikkonen's move back to Ferrari filtered through the paddock, a number of his rivals were quick to pour scorn on the prospect of a harmonious union.

Raikkonen, however, believes that age and experience will be a key factor in making his relationship with Alonso a good one.

"I can see plenty of reasons why it will work. We are old enough to know what we are doing and the team is working to make sure everything is fine," he said.

"If there is a problem then we can talk it through. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure things will be okay."

Raikkonen ended his first spell at Ferrari in 2009 with some reports it was an acrimonious departure, although this is a view he dismisses.

"I always had freedom (at Ferrari). Don't always believe what you read. We had a great time and I am sure I will have a great time again," he said.

"I know the team but obviously some new people have joined since I left but it is virtually still the same. So I don't think it will be too difficult to go there.

"The cars will be different and that will be the biggest challenge to get them running reliably, and who ever makes the best car will make the best out of it."